North Carolina outside linebacker Zach Brown will have some teams in the 2012 NFL Draft drooling over his potential. The senior is a versatile playmaker that finished the 2011 season with five games of at least 10 tackles.

Premier potential

Strengths

• Tremendous speed (4.50 40 time)
• Has shown improved read-and-react skills
• Athleticism allows him to keep up in pass coverage
• Very productive tackler - sound, rarely misses
• Plays just as well in the box as he does in space
• Good enough size to become 4-3 weakside linebacker
• All-around production (5.5 sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles in 2011)
• Incredible upside
• Displays good vision working his way through traffic
• Reliable special teamer

Weaknesses

• Raw - in almost all facets of the game - and often relies too much on his sheer athleticism
• Tends to over-pursue on backside or misdirection plays - play-action passing can get him to bite
• Hardly any pass-rushing repertoire to speak of
• Risky prospect - needs to become a football player first and an athlete second
• While his reaction skills have improved, he isn't a naturally instinctive player
• Probably a hair on the small side to play 3-4 outside linebacker

Expected draft placement

It seems inevitable that at least one team will fall in love with Brown's upside and not let him pass in the first round. Teams that seem most likely landing spots for him: the New York Jets (No. 16), San Diego Chargers (No. 18), Green Bay Packers (No. 28) and Baltimore Ravens (No. 29).